2026.09.16

Meet the new chair of the Swedish Elevator Association – Johanna Nygårdh

In June, Johanna Nygårdh was elected as the new chairwoman of the Swedish Elevator Association. She currently works with business development within modernization at KONE in Europe and was previously Regional Director for KONE in Sweden for six years. In total, she has over 15 years of experience in the elevator industry. She lives in Sundsvall with her husband and their two children.

What made you get involved in the board of the Swedish Elevator Association?

For Johanna, commitment is about giving back to an industry that she is proud to be a part of.

”"I have always been proud to work in the elevator industry and was impressed from day one by the professional pride and knowledge that exists regardless of which company you belong to. For me, getting involved in the Swedish Elevator Association is a way to give back to the industry and ensure that we can continue to be a proud industry that does good for society."”

What issues will be most important for the elevator industry in the coming years?

Safety and skills provision are two obvious focus areas according to Johanna. But she also highlights an issue that she believes is not receiving enough attention: the aging Swedish elevator fleet.

Sweden has one of Europe's oldest elevator stocks, which poses increased risks to both safety and accessibility. Johanna believes that more property owners need support in understanding the consequences of failing to modernize, and that society needs to discuss both financial incentives and clearer requirements.

”"I see this as a societal issue that is about both safety and accessibility. As chairman of the Swedish Elevator Association, I see it as our responsibility to raise the issue higher on the agenda."”

She emphasizes that the issue affects many people, not least the elderly and people with disabilities, who depend on safe and functioning elevators to be able to live independently.

What do you hope the Elevator Association will have achieved in three years?

Johanna's vision is about creating results both within the industry and in society at large.
She hopes that the member companies have together taken further steps forward in systematic safety work, while at the same time issues of safety and accessibility have gained a significantly stronger position in the dialogue with property owners, authorities and decision-makers.

”"I hope that together in the industry we have taken steps forward in terms of our internal security work, while at the same time we have taken steps from a societal perspective by putting security and accessibility high on the agenda."”

A message to member companies for the fall?

In conclusion, Johanna sends a call to all member companies to continue contributing to the industry's joint work.

”"Together we are strong. Help us spread the message about small and big issues and take advantage of the support and help that the Swedish Elevator Association can provide."”